India External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Saturday hit out strongly at Washington after the United States imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. Calling the move “unjustified and unreasonable,” Jaishankar asserted that India had every right to take decisions in its own national interest and would not be pressured into altering its energy policy.
The tariff escalation, which comes just days before a further 25 per cent hike takes effect on August 27, could see some Indian goods facing a punitive duty of up to 50 per cent—among the steepest levies ever imposed by Washington on New Delhi.
‘Contradiction in the West’s stance’
Pointing to what he described as Western double standards, Jaishankar underlined that Europe continues to trade with Russia on a scale far larger than India.
“And when people say we are funding the war and putting the money, Russia-European trade is bigger than India-Russia trade. So, European money is not filling the coffers? The overall Russia-EU trade is bigger than the Russia-India trade. If the argument is energy, they are bigger buyers. If the argument is who is the bigger trader, they are bigger than us,” he said.
India has increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil since 2022, refining part of it domestically and exporting refined products abroad, including to Western nations. Jaishankar emphasized that this was a commercial decision in India’s economic interest, adding that those criticizing New Delhi were being selective in their outrage.
“It’s funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business. If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy them. Nobody forces you to buy it. Europe buys, America buys—so if you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” he remarked.
Strategic autonomy and trade redline
Reiterating India’s principle of strategic autonomy, Jaishankar stressed that New Delhi would not compromise on decisions taken in its own national interest. “The issue of decisions that we make in our national interest is our right. And I would say that’s what strategic autonomy is about,” he said.
On the ongoing trade negotiations, the minister acknowledged tensions but maintained that dialogue had not broken down. “We are two big countries. The lines are not cut, people are talking to each other, and we will see where it goes,” he said. However, he was categorical about India’s position in the talks: “We have some redlines in the negotiations, to be maintained and defended.”
Hopes for a breakthrough dimmed further after a planned visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi between August 25 and 29 was called off. Indian exporters are bracing for a significant hit once the full 50 per cent tariff burden kicks in.
Dig at US-Pakistan ties.
Beyond the tariff row, Jaishankar also aimed for renewed warmth between Washington and Islamabad. Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders’ Forum 2025, he quipped that the US and Pakistan shared a “history of overlooking history.”
“They have a history with each other, and they have a history of overlooking their history… It is the same military that went into Abbottabad and found who there?” he asked, in a clear reference to the US operation that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011.
According to Jaishankar, such alignments often reflect “politics of convenience,” where countries pursue tactical or short-term gains despite past contradictions. “It’s not the first time we have seen things. When countries are very focused on doing politics of convenience, they keep trying to do this, and some of it can be tactical or other benefits of calculations,” he explained.
Balancing ties amid global flux
The sharp remarks underline the growing strain in India-US relations at a time when Washington is seeking to consolidate a coalition against Moscow, while also balancing its own geopolitical calculus in South Asia. For India, however, access to affordable energy and adherence to strategic autonomy remain paramount.
While both New Delhi and Washington continue to stress the importance of their partnership, the unfolding tariff dispute and diverging views on Russia and Pakistan could test the resilience of bilateral ties in the months ahead.
